Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
January 2026
How to Catch a Sea Lion
video highlights sea lion research & captures
Perched on the edge of the forest on a rocky outcrop along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska, a team of biologists from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) wait silently and patiently. Below them, a crowded haulout of half roaring, half sleeping Steller sea lions is oblivious to their presence. The biologists aren’t here for the view; they’re looking for a specific individual and waiting for the right moment to attempt capture.
In the newest episode of Marine Mammal Mania!, viewers step into the boots of these dedicated scientists and witness the process of capturing wild sea lions for biological sampling. This short video offers a rare glimpse into the world of marine mammal fieldwork, where patience is a virtue and the tides don’t take requests.
Steller sea lions are massive animals. Adult males can weigh over a ton, and even the females—smaller but still formidable—are powerful swimmers and climbers. Working with animals this large isn’t simply a matter of strength, it’s a careful combination of planning, experience, and respect. Every capture starts long before the biologists ever step onto the rocks.
The video follows the team through the process of scouting and positioning, coordinating equipment, administrating sedation, and monitoring the animal’s vital signs until release. The goal is clear: collect biological samples and attach satellite-linked tracking devices that will help scientists understand where these animals go, how they survive, and what threats they face.
Those data points tell a much bigger story. They help researchers understand where Steller sea lions travel, what they eat, how they raise their young, and how they’re coping with a changing North Pacific. The information supports fisheries management, guides conservation decisions, and helps safeguard the health of Alaska’s coastal ecosystems.
What truly sets this video apart is the glimpse it offers into the human side of science. Whether you’re a student curious about marine research, a wildlife fan, or someone who simply enjoys exploring Alaska’s wilder corners, this episode has something for you. It’s a rare invitation into a world few people ever witness—and a celebration of the work being done to keep Steller sea lions part of Alaska’s natural heritage.
Marine Mammal Mania! is a growing collection, with many more behind-the-scenes videos already in the works. So, stay tuned and keep an eye out for future episodes as the series continues to dive deeper into the remarkable world of Alaska’s marine wildlife.
Barb Lake is a Wildlife Technician living in Juneau, Alaska supporting the Division of Wildlife Conservation, Marine Mammal Program.
Marine Mammal Mania Episode 2: How to Catch a Sea Lion
Check out the very first episode of Marine Mammal Mania
Steller Sea Lion species profile
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